My review of the best mobile Charity Applications of 2014 with the fabulous Shahan Ramkissoon. Produced by Arlene Wilkinson.
Category Archives: Carla Franklin
Geek Girl Tech-Rec Video: Apps You Can’t Live without
I sat down with Rain Pryor and Priya Sridhar to discuss mobile apps that everyone should have to make life easier. This segment aired on Arise TV’s, Arise and Shine morning show on November 23rd, 2014. Segment produced by Arlene Wilkinson.
Geek Girl Tech-Rec Video: Hook-up Apps
My on-air expert appearance to review my recommendations on the top “hook-up” mobile apps for 2014. This segment aired on October 26, 2014 on Arise TV’s, Arise and Shine weekend program. Produced by Arlene Wilkinson.
Sitting in the (NCWIT) Red Chair celebrating Women in Tech
If I haven’t mentioned it before, I’d like to remind you that I am a Tech babe for life! For years I honed my skills as a programmer (certified by Java and Oracle) while employed by some of the best companies in the world. My apps were stellar (if I do say so myself) and clients were always happy. However, as a young programmer, I’d look around and see very few female programmers, and even fewer people of color venturing into the world of technology. Today, I’m so excited to be co-developing some really exciting initiatives to improve the pipeline of women and underserved minorities in technology. More to come on my technology initiatives in future posts….
Carla Franklin sitting in the NCWIT Red Chair
The red chair in the photo above is part of the NCWIT Red Chair campaign to support and improve opportunities for Women in Technology. Current data on the issue shows that NCWIT’s campaign is urgently needed. Consider the following data published by the University of Buffalo in February, 2014:
- Women make up nearly half of the workforce, yet they held only one quarter of all technology and computing jobs in 2011, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- In 2008, women earned more than half — 57 percent — of all bachelor’s degrees, but only 18 percent of the degrees awarded in computer and information science, down from 37 percent in 1985, the National Center for Women & Information Technology reported in its “By the Numbers 2009.”
- According to a study by the Center for Work-Life Policy, 74 percent of women in technology report “loving their work,” yet 56 percent leave their careers at the “mid-level” point — more than double the quit rate for men. And they’re leaving not because of family obligations, but because they’re dissatisfied with their jobs.
- Only 10 percent of corporate officer positions and 11 percent of board of directors’ positions at Fortune 500 technology companies were held by women, according to the 2008 census of corporate officers and top earners of Fortune 500 companies by Catalyst, a nonprofit devoted to expanding opportunities for women and business.
I hope that more women (and men) join me in this red chair.
Remembering the March on Washington, 50 years later
Growing up in a region of the south that was part of the epicenter of the Civil Rights Movement, I’ve always felt a certain connection to the past fight Jim Crow. The high school that I attended was officially desegregated only 6 years prior to my birth. As a child, I frequently visited the famous Woolworth’s store where four young male students from North Carolina A&T State University participated in the first sit-in, before it closed in the early 1990s. My father and uncles were born in the “black hospital” that provided health and medial services to African Americans in central North Carolina, at a time when they had no other option. I am a child of the Civil Rights Movement and part of Martin Luther King’s dream.
Today marks the 50th Anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, a critical milestone in the movement for racial equality in America. The 1963 March on Washington was one of the largest of its time, bringing together people of all races and ages in a fight to end racial apartheid in the United States. Today, I will remember those who fought and sacrificed for my right to live as an equal member of American society.
Flash Flashback: Take on me
Remember when MTV used play music videos? Before Reality TV…before autotunes…back when artists could actually sing and play instruments. If you do, you’re probably an 80s kid like me. This video by A-ha, reminds me that time in the 80s. Who didn’t love “Take On Me”? Such a beautiful story line too….Boy falls in love with a girl from another dimensions, and does everything be with her.
Techno Fashionista: DIY, At-Home gel manicure kits – worth the investment
Six weeks ago I ordered an “at home” gel manicure kit from one of my favorite online flash sale sites. I am a do-it-yourselfer, so this was right up my ally. When my new Red Carpet Manicure Gel Polish Pro Kit arrived in the mail, I was totally excited. As a huge fan of gel manicures and pedicures, I frequently dole out $70 – $80 per visit for the beautiful, glossy gel effect that lasts 2-3 weeks without chipping like regular polish. When I saw the Red Carpet Pro Kit listed on GiltGroup.com, I thought, “why not try it”. It will pay for itself in 2-3 uses.
The kit was really easy to use came with a classic red polish. I purchased additional colors and fell in love with a Coral color that accentuated my brown skin so well. Just like the salon, I exposed my nails to the UV light dome between coats, which allowed the gel to dry instantly. The top coat sealed the color in and gave my nails a great glossy/wet look that lasted 2.5 week.
I highly recommend at home, DIY gel manicure kits. They are easy, cost effective and fun. Red Carpet Manicure sells great starter kits, but I’m sure there are other great brands also. Additional gel colors can be purchased at Ulta.com or Target.com for roughly the same price as regular polish.
Techno Fashionista: A pink swing skirt to brighten up the work day
It was so much fun to wear this ensemble to the office last week. Colorful skirts and dresses always provide a feminine flare and a great alternative to the drab and boring work dark suit (black, grey, navy blue…take your pick…boring!). I coordinated a hot pink skirt by “Wow Couture” with a black “BCBG” top, adorned with a beaded accent. A pair of black peep toe shoes by Nine West, rounded out my outfit. Ladies, don’t be afraid of color in the office. Bright hues are a great way to liven up your work day!!!!
If not for Winnie, there would be no Nelson: Understanding the real Mandela legacy
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As we remember the legacy of Nelson Mandela today, please do not forget the woman who worked to co-create his legacy and who molded Nelson (once regarded as a terrorist around the world) into the international hero he is known to be today. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela became Nelson Mandela’s 2nd wife at the ripe, young age of 19. This amazing young woman could have never have imagined the journey that her life would take after marrying a much older Nelson, who is roughly 18 years her senior. Her resilience, intelligence and fortitude served her, and Nelson, well though his years of incarceration in South Africa’s prisons. It was Winnie who released Nelson’s letters to the world (and made sure the world paid attention), never allowing the public to forget him has he sat in jail. She raised his their 2 children and was at the forefront of the battle against the violence and cruelty of the Afrikaner led apartheid movement, while Nelson “sat” in jail.
The unfortunate part of the Mandela legacy is that she, the mother…and nurturer of the anti-apartheid movement, was cast aside as a woman who was too empowered…and who didn’t know her place after Nelson Mandela was released. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, I will never forget that without you, Nelson Mandela would likely have been a lesser known historic figure who’s legacy would never have been truly appreciated.
Urban Art Scene – An evening stroll through in the Meatpacking district
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New York is full of gritty, hard realities. Life in New York is softened by the art scene…but I don’t just mean art hanging in museums. The patient observer, who takes time to stop and note the constant presence of street art and graffiti that color every surface in the city of Gotham, will witness amazing beauty in every nook and crevice of the city. I took these shots in the Meatpacking district of Manhattan, after a typical evening dinner with friends. This bold and unassuming art is so integrated into backdrop of the area that most New Yorkers overlook it.
The Other Side of the Rainbow... 